KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT CHARACTER IS DANGEROUS
Character and knowledge are the heart and soul of an individual. Character can be defined as a set of inherited and acquired qualities which defines an individual’s identity and personality. This is what differentiates him/her from another person. Whereas one acquires knowledge over time through formal and informal education, through practice of skill or an activity over and over again. Knowledge empowers an individual and gives him the liberty to seek his own path by making rational decisions, Character defines a person and also that how we remember the person.
Every individual is unique in himself/herself, and are gifted with certain set of skill which on knowing can be tapped into limitless knowledge. Here knowledge helps in knowing about our inclination towards any activity and also gives an insight into what we love and what sickens us. The uniqueness of an individual set by his inclination in a certain section also forms a part of his/her character. Knowledge and expertise gained and accumulated by a person during the course of his education and training must be used for the good of others and the society. Where we can say knowledge of a person is also a small part of his/her character, it is also true that knowledge and character are also very different aspect of an individual. The level of learnedness of a person will never define how he behaves with others and how ill or good his mind set is. Knowledge of a person cannot define the depth of foundation of a person’s character. A very knowledgeable person can be very cold hearted filled with biased and prejudice mind set, whereas a uneducated person can be loving, generous and sympathetic towards others.
The moral values and virtue of a society plays an important role in character of an individuals. Over time there has been a gradual decline in these values. We must not forget that knowledge and character building must go hand in hand. Every religious scripture has an example stating that character is as, and in places more important that knowledge. We must look into other education pattern followed in different places and country, and rather than focusing on bookish knowledge and on and examination system where memorising and spilling it out on the exam sheet; we should actually inculcate a more healthy and nurturing education system, which also promotes character of a child.
Knowledge without character and morals will lead a person into looking down upon others, generating a perspective that he and his kin is superior that others, nurture a selfish behaviour, and inculcate a self-first attitude. A child must learn that his character - respect towards others, gratitude towards his fellow children and his tolerance towards his society can never be replaced with any level of education. Knowledge is not secondary in a person’s life but character cannot be in the second place also. Both have to go hand in hand. A well educated person not only is knowledgeable but also has a strong character, shows empathy for his society and thinks about wellbeing of others.